...request for letters of interest in developing the facility, the authority says it believes the proposal could provide gas rates that would "significantly lower" energy costs in the Interior. It says it could lead to a reduction in heating costs...

...in-state line would be substantially less, and could take an additional state investment of $4.2 billion just to keep gas rates in Southcentral where they are now, he said. With higher rates for consumers, the state investment could be less...

...Joe Gallagher said it's important for the membership to realize that though renewable energy is cheaper than natural gas, rates most likely won't be decreasing. By diversifying fuel sources with projects such as wind and hydro, rates will increase...

...but would not refund any money. "That's not in compliance with our letter order," Salazar said. Because natural gas rates have varied considerably from May 2003 to what they are today, it is difficult to calculate precisely how much each qualifying...